Litter and Bedding

Litter

Litter is a material that is to be used to line the floor of the cage.
There are many different types available. Some examples are:

1) Woodshavings - This is the most common type of litter used. It can come available in small packets, big packets and bales. It is readily available at most pet stores.

2) Finacard - This is dust-extracted and small animal safe shredded cardboard, it is a good way to recycle and doesn't easily tangle in the coat. It only costs £13.99 with delievery for a big bale which goes a long way.

3) Small animal paper litter & bedding - This is made from recyled paper and is very absorbant and naturaly masks odours without using any chemicals.

4) Wood based cat litter - This can be very good for using with longhaired males as it tangles less in their coats. It can be found in most supermarkets such as Morrisons and pet stores. I have found it good at absorbing urine and masks odors well.

5) Carefresh - This substrate is made from wood pulp and is safe for use with all small animals. It is very absorbent, dust free and controls odors well. This is more often found at bigger chain pet shops.

Bedding

Hamsters like to make nests so they should be provided with some cosy nesting material. Small animal bedding is easily available at pet shops.
The most common type of bedding is shredded paper but if you prefer, you could use torn up tissue paper or kitchen roll providing it is not perfumed or fragranced in any way. I buy big packs of my supermarkets home brand kitchen roll and tear it into strips.
Please do not give your hamsters the fluffy cotton wool type bedding. A hamster an easily swallow this and it can cause blockages in the digestive system and in serious cases could leave to death. Hammies can also get limbs tangled up in it.

A pack of wood based cat litter

Wood based cat litter

Paper based bedding

'Tea bag' bedding